Experience The True Thrill Of Running Wild! 6 - 8 March 2020

Do You Want To Feel The True Thrill Of Running Wild?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run wild and free through true African wilderness?

Imagine being surrounded by the animals, sights and sounds of the African bush as you test yourself against the incredible distance & mental challenges of an ultra trail run.

If you are looking for a truly wild trail running adventure, then we invite you to take on the Addo Elephant Trail Run through the vast and beautiful Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.

Experience The Addo Elephant Trail Run

The Addo Elephant Trail Run was the first triple ultra distance trail running event in South Africa, offering a choice of 100 Mile, 76km or 44km distance ultra-trail runs.

Originally founded in 2005, it is also South Africa’s oldest 100 Mile ultra trail race.

The 100 Mile distance was resurrected in 2016 with a new and challenging route that takes runners from one end of the park to the other and back again.

Both the 76km and the 44km races take place on sections of the same course, just with slightly less elevation gain.

The courses also take runners through some of the most remote wilderness in the Addo Elephant National Park, through areas they would not be able to access any other way.

Come and feel the excitement and thrill of running wild through the African bush!

Addo is the ONLY national park in the world that can lay claim to having the Big 7 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, southern right whale and the great white shark).

With race routes designed to test you both mentally and physically, the trails track the rugged Zuurberg mountains and beautiful valleys of the park.

You will be challenged to run on a wide range of terrain including single track trails, 4x4 tracks and old jeep tracks within the park itself, as well as some stretches of dirt road.

You will encounter a large number of river crossings, and will also face some challenging climbs, with expansive views at the top that are simply amazing!

You will be running in areas of the park that are home to a variety of wild animals, and you stand a chance of seeing animals such as kudu, impala, baboons, ostriches, bushbuck, black backed jackals, mountain reedbuck, red hartebeest, mountain zebra, warthogs and the largest antelope in the world - the eland! These have all been spotted on our various route recces in the park.

For safety purposes you are kept away from those areas of the park with lions, elephant, rhino or buffalo, but you are free to explore these areas before or after the race.

We are exceptionally privileged to be able to present an ultra trail event of this calibre in such an amazing location, and to provide our athletes with the opportunity to see and experience it from such a unique perspective.

100 Mile Stats

Meters of elevation gain

%

Average DNF Rate

19:48:09

Course Record

MenAntoine Guillon2018

23:51:02

Course Record

WomenAnnalise Scholtz2019

As you can see from the above, the Addo 100 Miler’s stats place it firmly among the worlds more challenging 100 Mile courses.

Finishers can earn points towards entry into races such as UTMB and the Grand Raid Reunion.

GRR: 217 Points | UTMB: 6 Points

76km Stats

Meters of elevation gain

%

Average DNF Rate

06:54:19

Course Record

MenRyan Sandes2017

08:07:18

Course Record

WomenNicolette Griffioen2018

The 76km route is a nice fast course, but it does pack a few challenging climbs.

Finishers can earn points towards entry into races such as UTMB and the Grand Raid Reunion.

GRR: 102 Points | UTMB: 3 Points

44km Stats

Meters of elevation gain

%

Average DNF Rate

03:44:02

Course Record

MenMvuyisi Gcogco2018

04:12:28

Course Record

WomenKerry-Ann Marshall2015

If you are looking for a race to pick as your first ultra distance race, the Addo 44 is a great option.

Finishers can earn points towards entry into races such as UTMB.

UTMB: 2 Points

Event Itinerary

Our race weekend event itinerary is listed below.

Should there be any changes, they will be updated here, as well via our social media channels and also via email to all our registered athletes.

Mandatory kit inspection will also take place here, so please ensure you bring your race vest/pack with all required items. You will not be allowed to start the race without these.

You will also be able to drop off your support bag that will be taken to checkpoint 11.

We will have the route maps on display, and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

12:45 - 13:30 - Race Briefing - 100 Mile Entrants

Compulsory race briefing for all 100 Mile Entrants. Any entrant that does not attend will not be allowed on the start line.

14:00 - Race Start - Addo 100 Mile Trail Run

The 100 Mile race will start at 14:00 from Addo Elephant Park Main Camp.

If you are taking part in the 76km or 44km events, please come and support the 100 Mile entrants as we send them off on this epic race.

14:10 - 18:00 - Race Registration - 76km & 44km Entrants

Race registration for both 76km & 44km athletes in the lapa at Main Rest Camp, Addo Elephant National Park.

Come and collect your goodie bag, which will include your race shirt and other goodies.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO LATE REGISTRATION on Saturday morning. You must register on Friday.

We will have the route maps on display, and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

18:30 - 19:15 - 76km & 44km Race Briefing

Race briefing for all 44km and 76km race entrants. Join us for a course run through, race briefing and an opportunity to meet some of the other athletes that will be joining you on the trails tomorrow.

19:30 - 21:30 - Casual Dinner In the Lapa

Join us for a casual dinner in the lapa before going off to get a good nights rest before the race.

Saturday 7 March

04:30 - 06:20 - Coffee & Pre-Race Sign In At Kabouga Gate Entrance

MANDATORY PRE-RACE SIGN IN:

All 44km & 76km athletes are required to sign in before the race. This is to give us a final head count on the day.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO LATE REGISTRATION ON THE DAY - YOU MUST REGISTER ON FRIDAY.

Complimentary coffee/tea at the start at the Addo Elephant National Park Kabouga Gate, just outside Kirkwood.

PLEASE NOTE - Shuttle Service:

We will have a shuttle service running from Addo Main Camp to the start at the Kabouga Gate. We will notify you closer to the time regarding costs & booking a seat.

We will also be running a shuttle service from the finish at Zuurberg back to Addo Main Camp. We will notify you closer to the time regarding costs & booking a seat.

05:20 - 76km Race Briefing

Final race briefing for all 76km entrants.

05:30 - Start of the 76km Trail Run

Start of the 76km from the Kabouga entrance to the park.

06:20 - 44km Race Briefing

Final race briefing for all 44km entrants.

06:30 - Start of the 44km Trail Run

Start of the 44km from the Kabouga entrance to the park.

07:00 - Registration for 5km Fun Run

Registration for the 5km Fun Run will take place at the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

Entry is open to anyone that wishes to take part.

08:00 - Start of the 5km Fun Run

Start of the 5km Fun Run from the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

9:30 - 15:00 - Winning Runners Window

The winning mens and ladies runners from all 3 ultra trail races are expected to finish between these times.

16:00 - Prizegiving for 44km & 76km

Prize giving ceremony for the winners of the 44km and 76km ultra trail runs.

Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in the mens and ladies divisions.

18:30 - 44km Final Cut Off

End of the 44km Addo Elephant Trail Run

Finish of the Addo Elephant 44km Trail Run will be at the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

The prizegiving and buckle ceremony for the 100 mile trail run will be held at the lapa at Addo Main Camp.

All 100 Mile finishers will receive a finishers buckle (at prize giving on Sunday), in the tradition of 100 Mile races around the world.

This will be accompanied by a relaxed brunch and swapping of war stories 🙂

5km Fun Trail Run

Introduced in 2015, this is a fun trail event for families / supporters / anyone new to trail running.

Join us at the Zuurberg Mountain Village on Saturday 8 March for a scenic 5km run along some of the same trail as the ultra runners, and get treated to some beautiful views of the Zuurberg valleys and forest.

Cross the same finish line as the ultra runners, and get a taste of what trail running is all about!

44km Ultra Trail Run

The 44km race starts at the Addo Elephant National Park, Kabouga Gate, Kirkwood at 06:30am, and finishes at the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

Only official participants displaying their race numbers are allowed on the route. The race numbers must be worn on the front at all times and must be clearly visible.

Other than the participant’s race number, personal advertising is permitted on clothing provided that it is not in conflict with any of our official sponsors.

It is compulsory that participants run with drinking bottles or bladder and carry a minimum of 1litre of water between Check Points.

It is highly recommended to run with a small waist pack or day backpack. These water bottles and bladders will be filled at the Check Points, which are situated 8km - 12km apart.

Water will not be handed out in sachets.

Each participant must carry a torch/headlamp (plus spare batteries). Any participant found running in the dark without a working torch/headlamp will be withdrawn from the event.

The route will be clearly marked. At any intersection there will be a marker board with an arrow to show the way. The entire route must be completed to finish the race.

If for any reason a participant leaves the marked route, he/she must return to the point of departure by foot. Any participant deliberately running off the route will be disqualified.

This event is a foot race and the entire route must be traversed by foot. Any participant with a disability of any kind that would require a form of mechanical device is to bring this to the attention of the race organisers for approval. Walking poles may be used.

Except in an emergency, no assistance may be accepted by any participant between Check Points.

If any emergency assistance is received between Check Points, this must be brought to the attention of the Check Point Captain at the next Check Point.

Each participant must make sure that he/she has been checked in and out of each Check Point.

Any form of litter or destruction of the natural habitat will result in immediate disqualification. Nothing at all may be discarded between Check Points i.e. food wrappings, empty gel packs etc.

Any interference with another participant will result in disqualification.

No headphones allowed. You are running in a national park, and the chances of you encountering wild animals is high. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times.

All participants must sign their registration forms and collect their running number and t-shirt at Registration at the lapa at the Addo Elephant Main Rest Camp from 14:00 on Friday, 6 March 2020.

There is a cut-off for the 44km at 16:30 at Check Point 5.

Smoking is not permitted for the duration of the event.

Compulsory Item Checklist

Runners are required to have the following with them at all times along the route:

full water proof jacket (taped seams & hood)

buff/beanie

long sleeve mid layer / fleece

a small waist/back pack to carry two drinking bottles or a bladder (minimum of 1.5 litre capacity).

emergency whistle

space blanket

compression bandage / strapping

torch/headlamp & spare batteries

reusable/plastic cup - no cup, no race

medical info card (provided in your race pack) - due to the terrain, we do not always have cellphone or radio signal, so should a medic have to treat you in an emergency in such an area, having your basic medical information on hand (blood type, allergies, medical aid no, emergency contact) is essential. Keep this in a ziploc bag in your pack.

76km Ultra Trail Run

The 76km race starts at the Addo Elephant National Park, Kabouga Gate, Kirkwood at 05:30am, and finishes at the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

Only official participants displaying their race numbers are allowed on the route. The race numbers must be worn on the front at all times and must be clearly visible.

Other than the participant’s race number, personal advertising is permitted on clothing provided that it is not in conflict with any of our official sponsors.

It is compulsory that participants run with drinking bottles or bladder and carry a minimum of 1litre of water between Check Points.

It is highly recommended to run with a small waist pack or day backpack. These water bottles and bladders will be filled at the Check Points, which are situated 8km - 12km apart.

Water will not be handed out in sachets.

Each participant must carry a torch/headlamp (plus spare batteries). Any participant found running in the dark without a working torch/headlamp will be withdrawn from the event.

The route will be clearly marked. At any intersection there will be a marker board with an arrow to show the way. The entire route must be completed to finish the race.

If for any reason a participant leaves the marked route, he/she must return to the point of departure by foot. Any participant deliberately running off the route will be disqualified.

This event is a foot race and the entire route must be traversed by foot. Any participant with a disability of any kind that would require a form of mechanical device is to bring this to the attention of the race organisers for approval. Walking poles may be used.

Except in an emergency, no assistance may be accepted by any participant between Check Points.

If any emergency assistance is received between Check Points, this must be brought to the attention of the Check Point Captain at the next Check Point.

Each participant must make sure that he/she has been checked in and out of each Check Point.

Any form of litter or destruction of the natural habitat will result in immediate disqualification. Nothing at all may be discarded between Check Points i.e. food wrappings, empty gel packs etc.

Any interference with another participant will result in disqualification.

No headphones allowed. You are running in a national park, and the chances of you encountering wild animals is high. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times.

All participants must sign their registration forms and collect their running number and t-shirt at Registration at the Conference Centre at the Addo Elephant Main Rest Camp from 14:00 on Friday, 6 March 2020.

There is a cut-off for the 76km at 19:00 at Check Point 7.

Smoking is not permitted for the duration of the event.

Compulsory Item Checklist

Runners are required to have the following with them at all times along the route:

full water proof jacket (taped seams & hood)

buff/beanie

long sleeve mid layer / fleece

a small waist/back pack to carry two drinking bottles or a bladder (minimum of 1.5 litre capacity).

emergency whistle

space blanket

compression bandage / strapping

torch/headlamp & spare batteries

reusable/plastic cup - no cup, no race

medical info card (provided in your race pack) - due to the terrain, we do not always have cellphone or radio signal, so should a medic have to treat you in an emergency in such an area, having your basic medical information on hand (blood type, allergies, medical aid no, emergency contact) is essential. Keep this in a ziploc bag in your pack.

100 Mile Ultra Trail Run

The 100 Mile race starts at the Addo Elephant National Park, Main Camp, at 14:00 (2:00 pm) on Friday 6 March, and finishes at 03:00am on Sunday 8 March, at the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

Only official participants displaying their race numbers are allowed on the route. The race numbers must be worn on the front at all times and must be clearly visible.

Other than the participant’s race number, personal advertising is permitted on clothing provided that it is not in conflict with any of our official sponsors.

It is compulsory that participants run with drinking bottles or bladder and carry a minimum of 1 litre of water between Check Points.

It is mandatory to run with a small race pack or vest. These water bottles and bladders can be filled at the Check Points, which are situated 8km - 12km apart.

Water will not be handed out in sachets.

Each participant must carry a headlamp (plus 1 set of spare batteries). Any participant found running in the dark without a working headlamp will be withdrawn from the event.

The route will be clearly marked. At any intersection there will be a marker board with an arrow to show the way. The entire route must be completed to finish the race.

If for any reason a participant leaves the marked route, he/she must return to the point of departure by foot. Any participant deliberately running off the route will be disqualified.

This event is a foot race and the entire route must be traversed by foot. Any participant with a disability of any kind that would require a form of mechanical device is to bring this to the attention of the race organisers for approval. Walking poles may be used.

Except in an emergency, no assistance may be accepted by any participant between Check Points.

If any emergency assistance is received between Check Points, this must be brought to the attention of the Check Point Captain at the next Check Point.

Each participant must make sure that he/she has been checked in and out of each Check Point.

Any form of litter or destruction of the natural habitat will result in immediate disqualification. Nothing at all may be discarded between Check Points i.e. food wrappings, empty gel packs etc.

Any interference with another participant will result in disqualification.

No headphones allowed. You are running in a national park, and the chances of you encountering wild animals is high - especially at night. You must be aware of your surroundings at all times.

All participants must sign their registration forms and collect their race number and satellite tracker at Registration at the Conference Centre at the Addo Elephant Main Rest Camp between 08:00am & 12:30 pm on Friday, 6 March.

Mandatory kit inspection will also take place here, so please ensure you bring your race vest/pack with all required items. If you do not have the required items you will not be allowed to start the race.

Entrants can drop a support bag off at the same time.

There is a cut-off time for the 100 Mile at 12:00 noon on Sat 7 March at checkpoint 11 (~96kms). If you do not make the cutoff, you will be withdrawn from the race as you will not be able to finish the race in the allocated time.

There is a second cut-off time of 15:00pm at checkpoint 13 (~111kms). You will be withdrawn from the race if you have NOT LEFT this checkpoint by 15:00.

There is a third cut-off time of 19:00pm at checkpoint 14 (~128kms). You will be withdrawn from the race if you do not make this cutoff.

Final cut off time for the 100 Mile event is 03:00am on Sunday 8 March. Entrants will have 37 hrs to complete the course.

Smoking is not permitted for the duration of the event.

Compulsory Item Checklist

Runners are required to have the following with them at all times along the route:

a small waist/back pack to carry two drinking bottles or a bladder (minimum of 1.5 litre capacity).

emergency whistle

GPS with race route pre-loaded - enquire with us as to what is acceptable in this regard.

medical info card (provided in your race pack) - due to the nature of the terrain, we do not always have cellphone or radio signal, so should a medic have to treat you in an emergency in such an area, having your basic medical information on hand (blood type, allergies, medical aid no, emergency contact) is essential. Keep this in a ziploc bag in your pack.

Event Entry Fees

The entry fee is fully inclusive of all the items laid out in the race itinerary and the Addo Elephant Trail Run rules.

The entry fee DOES NOT INCLUDE travel to and from the start, meals or accommodation.

Entries close at midnight on 31 January 2020 or when we sell out – whichever comes first.

This event is pre-entry only. No late entry will be accepted at the start.

In the event of cancellation:

Before 31 October 2019 – 25% Cancellation Fee

Between 1 Nov 2019 and 31 January 2020 – 50% Cancellation Fee

After 31 January 2020 - 100% Cancellation Fee - No Refund

Transfer Of Entries

Entries CAN be transferred before 31 January 2020. There is a R250 substitution fee.

Contact Us With Any Queries Or Questions

Should you have any further questions you can contact us on info@liveadventure.co.za, or call Sheena on 072 293 4974.

Our Event Sponsors

Our valued sponsors for this event. We are extremely thankful for the support we receive from our sponsors and volunteers, without who’s efforts this event would not be possible.

Host Sponsor : SANParks – Addo Elephant National Park

SANParks is the host sponsor for the Addo Elephant Trail Run 2019.

The event takes place in the vast and beautiful wilderness of the Addo Elephant National Park. SANParks provide us with an amazing race venue, and have been instrumental in working with us to design an amazing and challenging race route that will take runners into some of the oldest and most remote sections of the park.

Now the third largest national park in South Africa, the original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area.

Today this finely-tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 600 elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

The park can exclusively claim to be the only national park in the world to conserve the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the Algoa Bay coast.

We are extremely grateful that we can give our runners the opportunity to experience this amazing park and its wildlife from such a unique and challenging perspective.

The start of 76km & 44km is at the Kabouga Gate entrance to the park, just outside Kirkwood.

The finish of all 3 races is at the Zuurberg Mountain Village.

Where can I find accommodation?

Main Camp, Addo Elephant National Park

Start of the 100 Mile Addo Elephant Trail Run NB - If you want to stay at the National Park, book well in advance.

PLEASE NOTE: Entrants to the Addo Elephant Trail Run will have access to our block booked accommodation at Addo Elephant Main Camp. As it is reserved for athletes and their families / supporters, details on how to access this will be sent in your confirmation of entry email. If you want to check on accommodation availability before entering, please contact us.

The block booking will be held until 31 Dec 2019 or until it is all booked up, so make sure you get your entry in quickly to take advantage of this opportunity.

Activities in the Addo Elephant National Park

Guided game drives

Hop-on guides

Guided horse trails – Main Camp and Zuurberg

Bedrogfontein 4×4 trail

Activities available at no extra cost (except for entrance fee)

Self-drive wildlife viewing in the main game area and Colchester area on 120km of tourist roads suitable for normal sedan cars.

Zuurberg hiking trails: 1-hour and 3-hour trails available in the Zuurberg Mountains.

PPC Discovery Trail: a short walk in the main camp, one loop suitable for wheelchair users and visually-impaired visitors.

SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide: in the main camp (suitable for wheelchair-users).

Underground viewing hide at main camp (suitable for wheelchair-users).

Picnic and braai site: in the botanical reserve at Jack’s picnic site, off the southern access road.

Restaurant and curio shop: at main camp.

Zuurberg Mountain Village - Race Finish

PLEASE NOTE: Entrants to the Addo Elephant Trail Run will have access to our block booked accommodation at Zuurberg Mountain Village. As it is reserved for athletes and their families / supporters, you will need to contact us directly. Please email us on info@liveadventure to check on availability.

Zuurberg Mountain Village is a haven of historical delight set high up on the Zuurberg and has a peaceful & truly unique mountain top retreat set in 160 hectares of indigenous vegetation with breathtaking views overlooking the Addo Elephant National Park. This 150 year old historical hotel situated at the top of the spectacular Zuurberg Pass & one hours drive from Port Elizabeth offers her guests elegance style and quality of a bygone era. Equipped to international standards the rooms in the Zuurberg Village ensure high levels of comfort whilst gourmet food friendly staff & a myriad of outdoor activities.

Hayterdale Trails Luxury Tented Accommodation

Hayerdale Trails are situated halfway up the Zuurberg Pass.

There are 40 luxury tents available for our runners. They are priced at R600 / tent / night, and each tent sleeps 2 people. The tents are equipped with comfortable beds, proper linen and towels.

The tents can be booked online via our registration system when you enter.

If you miss out on the block booked accommodation options, please visit:

Map To Addo Elephant Park Main Camp

Read what previous trail runners have to say about Addo …

The most incredible experience I’ve had in a long time.

Completely Over the moon to have finished 4th lady, 23rd overall in the 76km Addo. Thank you for an incredible event. This turned into my best race yet. Beyond any expectations!

Willemien van Zyl(Addo 76km 4th Lady 2017)

If I had known what an amazing experience it would turn out to be, I would probably have done it sooner.

The race organisers, thank you for the hours you put in behind the scenes to make this a world class event. Thank you so much as well for the personal support, and big smiles at the finishing line and prize giving.

Competing in the Addo Ultra trail run was by far the best and most humbling experience on a trail.

I was trying to think of the perfect words to sum up my experience, so in short…”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity”.

Volunteer Application

Events like this can’t happen without the help of a huge team of volunteers, and we really appreciate every single one of our volunteers!

For many people volunteering can be rewarding in its own right, and if you are a runner, It is also a great way to give back to the running community.

If you volunteer at #AfricasWildestUltra, you will also be rewarded - with cool crew kit and free entries to races (as well as long days, hard work and very little sleep).

If you’d like to see things from the other side of the race, if you want to learn a bit more about the race before taking part, or if you just want to be a part of #AfricasWildestUltra, please complete the form below and we’ll get in touch with you.

Name

Email Address

Contact Number

Preferred volunteer positionPreferred volunteer positionRegistration / Start / Finish Line CrewSweep (must be able to run/walk 40-50kms)Checkpoint Crew (must have 4x4)Extraction Crew (must have 4x4)Field Crew (must be able to run 10-20kms)